A pastor in Gatundu South has pleaded not guilty to murder charges.
The pastor, identified as Patrick Kagunda Karanja, was accused of killing Francis Gichini on February 3 2025 in the Gatundu South Sub-county.
Presented before the High Court Judge Justice Florence Muchemi, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The accused, through his defense team led by Ndegwa Njiru, therefore argued for favorable bond terms, claiming that Kagunda had been detained without charge for an extended period.
They emphasized that a pastor with a wife and child cannot be a flight risk and should be granted his constitutional rights.
The defense team further told the court that Kagunda was presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The prosecution, on the other hand, was opposed to the bond application.
They argued that if Kagunda is released, he might interfere with the witnesses and the evidence, raising concerns about his safety against public hostility.
Despite the objections, Justice Muchemi granted the bond application, releasing the suspect on a Ksh. 2 million bond.
She further ordered Kagundo to remain at Nairobi remand until his bond was processed.
The case is scheduled to be heard on March 25, 2025.
